And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The figure identifies himself not as a mere general, but as the "commander of the army of the LORD." This title points to his divine authority and heavenly backing, signifying he's the ultimate leader and not just another warrior, which is why Joshua’s immediate worship is so profound.
And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua, standing on the brink of conquering Jericho, encounters a mysterious warrior with a drawn sword. Uncertain if this figure is friend or foe, Joshua boldly asks whose side he's on. The warrior then reveals himself as the commander of the Lord's heavenly army, indicating God's direct involvement and assuring Joshua of His support for the upcoming battles.
Joshua encounters a mysterious figure with a drawn sword. Who is he, and why does his identity matter so much?
The Divine Commander
The man Joshua meets doesn't claim to be an Israelite or a Canaanite. Instead, he declares, "I am the commander of the army of the LORD." This isn't just any general; the original language and context strongly suggest this is a divine being, the Son of God himself, appearing in human form.
Faced with this divine revelation, Joshua doesn't boast or strategize. How does he respond, and what does that teach us about leadership?
Prostrate Before the King
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Joshua's response is immediate and profound: he falls on his face and worships. This isn't a reaction of fear, but of awe and submission before the Almighty.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and redeeming relationship with His people.
shachah · Hebrew Verb
The act of showing profound reverence, adoration, and submission to God or a divine being; physically often expressed by bowing or prostrating oneself.
adon · Hebrew Noun
A term indicating a person in authority or a master; when used of God or a divine messenger, it signifies submission to His lordship and sovereignty.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who performs the will of another; in a biblical context, it describes a person totally devoted to the service and obedience of God.
This encounter happens at a critical juncture as Israel is poised to conquer the land. The appearance of the Commander of the Lord's Army reassures Joshua that this is not merely an earthly war, but one led by divine power, solidifying his faith before the daunting task ahead.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
The Passover is Observed
The Israelites celebrate their first Passover in Canaan, marking a new era of obedience and dependence on God's provision.
c. 1406 BC
The Manna Ceases
The miraculous provision of manna ends as the people begin to eat the produce of the land of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Appearance of the Commander of the Lord's Army
Joshua encounters a divine warrior figure near Jericho, who reveals himself as the Commander of the Lord's army.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua's Instructions for Jericho
The divine commander gives Joshua specific instructions for the miraculous conquest of Jericho, emphasizing faith and obedience.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Jericho
Following the divine instructions, the walls of Jericho miraculously fall, leading to the city's destruction.
This passage shows a divine being making a place holy by His presence, much like the Commander of the Lord's army does in Joshua 5:15, indicating His divine nature.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage describes Jesus as 'Faithful and True' and 'The Word of God,' leading heavenly armies with a sword, mirroring the role of the Commander Joshua encounters.
Daniel 10:13The 'prince of Persia' is a powerful angelic being, and the Commander here identifies Himself as the 'prince of the host of the LORD,' showing a parallel in heavenly leadership roles.
1 Corinthians 10:4This verse states that the Israelites drank from a 'spiritual rock that followed them,' which was Christ, showing Christ's pre-incarnate leadership and presence with Israel, as seen in Joshua's encounter.
Revelation 22:8-9John attempts to worship an angel, but is rebuked, highlighting that the Commander's acceptance of Joshua's worship in Joshua 5:14 was a clear indication He was divine and not merely an angel.
cambridgeJoshua 5:14: "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"
14 . as captain ] or rather, Prince of the host of Jehovah, i.e. of the Angelic Host, the Host of heaven. “I am prince of þe oost of þe Lord,” Wyclif. Compare the expressions “Jehovah of hosts,” or more fully “Jehovah, Lord of hosts” ( Jeremiah 5:14 ; Jeremiah 15:16 ; Isaiah 6:3 ; Psalm 24:10 ; P…
clarkeJoshua 5:14: "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"
But as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come - By this saying Joshua was both encouraged and instructed. As if he had said, "Fear not; Jehovah hath sent from heaven to save thee and thy people from the reproach of them that would swallow thee up. Israel is the Lord's host; and the Lord of…
The figure identifies himself not as a mere general, but as the "commander of the army of the LORD." This title points to his divine authority and heavenly backing, signifying he's the ultimate leader and not just another warrior, which is why Joshua’s immediate worship is so profound.
Joshua, standing on the brink of conquering Jericho, encounters a mysterious warrior with a drawn sword. Uncertain if this figure is friend or foe, Joshua boldly asks whose side he's on. The warrior then reveals himself as the commander of the Lord's heavenly army, indicating God's direct involvement and assuring Joshua of His support for the upcoming battles.
Joshua, standing on the brink of conquering Jericho, encounters a mysterious warrior with a drawn sword. Uncertain if this figure is friend or foe, Joshua boldly asks whose side he's on. The warrior then reveals himself as the commander of the Lord's heavenly army, indicating God's direct involvement and assuring Joshua of His support for the upcoming battles.
"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”" — The figure identifies himself not as a mere general, but as the "commander of the army of the LORD." This title points to his divine authority and heavenly backing, signifying he's the ultimate leade…
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Last reviewed October 2026